At-grade railroad track crossings of City streets are common. Verification is
made as to whether the track is within railroad right-of-way (r-o-w) and crosses
a street easement granted to the City, or within public r-o-w. Work entirely
within the railroad right-of-way does not require a permit to perform
construction within the r-o-w, but does require a traffic control plan approved
by the District Traffic Engineer. An adjustment of track grade within railroad
r-o-w may require adjustment of street grade beyond the railroad r-o-w. A permit
is required for work outside the railroad r-o-w.

More extensive work in the track area, such as crossing controls, may require
a review by Permit Engineering to determine if further improvements should be
constructed under a Street Permit. Installation of, or changes to, crossing
controls also means that the railroad must submit plans for the work to the PUC.
If the City is named as a party of interest in the application to the PUC, the
PUC will forward a set of plans to the City.

II. Administrative Rule

1. Application may be made through Portland’s Office of Transportation,
Street Systems Management. Call 503.823.5185 and ask to speak with the
technician that issues railroad crossing permits.